Duo to bring a night of blues

Popular Perth band Empire Blues will return to Settlers Tavern for Blues on the Verandah on Sunday for a night of unplugged British Blues.

The duo of Andrew McIlroy (guitar/vocals) and Alan Dawson (bass) will play originals and covers by 1960s British soul bands such as Cream.

It will be the 14th year of gigging for Empire Blues, who formed in 2005 and continue to be well received, having played hundreds of gigs and blues music festivals.

Lead singer McIlroy said his originals were built on traditional blues but not limited to just British blues.

“I grew up listening to guys like Eric Clapton play guitar and because there was a lot of pop on the radio in the 70s, I went back and taught myself a lot of Cream’s early stuff,” he said.

“I guess I’m returning to my roots.”

The two men have performed hundreds of shows together with an infectious familiarity in their playing styles, writing humorous songs with West Australian content.

I love playing in Margaret River, the atmosphere is infectious and I look forward to living there more often as I’m semi-retired,” McIlroy said.